& JULIET: A Fresh Take on a Timeless Tale

Katelyn Aleksa is the ASU Gammage Marketing Coordinator. She recently traveled to San Diego, California for the 2025 Road Marketing Forum, presented by The Broadway Leage, where she had the opportunity to attend the touring production of & JULIET.  

& JULIET is one of the most highly anticipated shows to take the ASU Gammage stage this season. Ahead of its arrival in Tempe, I had the chance to see the performance at the San Diego Civic Theatre. It did not disappoint! 

From the moment I entered the theater, the energy was electric. The audience buzzed with excitement, eagerly awaiting Juliet’s second chance at life. I found myself fixated on the giant ampersand centered on stage. Then, the lights dimmed, the cast stepped forward, and the first notes of “Larger Than Life” filled the room. I was hooked instantly. 

The story opens with William Shakespeare revealing the ending of his latest play, Romeo and Juliet, to his wife, Anne Hathaway (no, not that Anne Hathaway!). Anne challenges him on why his stories always end in tragedy and asks for the chance to rewrite it. After some playful persuasion, Shakespeare agrees, and Anne’s quill begins to fly across the page. 

Juliet’s new story begins right after she learns of Romeo’s death. Fearing her parents will send her to a convent now that she’s widowed, Juliet decides to forge her own path. Accompanied by her nurse and her friends May and April (who’s actually Anne Hathaway in disguise!) the group sets off on a joyful, empowering journey. The adventure unfolds to a soundtrack packed with 2000s pop hits from Max Martin, the genius songwriter/producer behind more #1 hits than any other artist this century. Songs made famous by the Backstreet Boys, Katy Perry, NSYNC, Jessie J, P!nk and more are ingenously used to progress the story. I couldn’t stop tapping my toes—or dancing in my seat! The choreography was just as incredible as the vocals, making me wish I could jump on stage and join the cast. 

One of my favorite numbers was “One More Try”. Fun fact, it’s the only song written specifically for the show! I also loved how Shakespeare and Anne become characters within Juliet’s new story. Their relationship struggles and desires mirror Juliet’s journey, leading them both to surprising realizations about love and partnership. What are those realizations? And how does Juliet’s new story end? No spoilers. You’ll have to see it for yourself! 

If you’re thinking about getting tickets, let this be your sign to grab them now! Bring your friends, your family, your coworkers, everyone you know. I’m already counting down the days till I can see it again! & JULIET plays ASU Gammage November 4–9. Tickets are available at asugammage.com/andjuliet.